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The landscaping category is being updated with new types of gravel, pebbles and slate. They are delivered in large builders bulk bags, and all prices include delivery for standard areas. (Some more remote postcodes, or inner London, have a delivery surcharge. Please check before ordering).

When it comes to creating attractive garden paths, patios, and functional driveways, gravel offers a unique blend of aesthetic appeal, practicality, and low maintenance. In this article, we will delve into the numerous benefits of incorporating gravel into your outdoor spaces, comparing it to the alternatives and exploring how to effectively care for it.

1. Gravel: Aesthetic Appeal and Versatility:
Gravel stands out with its natural charm, lending a rustic and textured feel to your garden. It effortlessly complements various architectural styles, from modern to traditional, while providing unmatched versatility. Whether you seek a casual and relaxed atmosphere or an elegant and refined ambiance, gravel can harmonise with any design preference.

2. Cost-Effective Solution:
Compared to paving and artificial grass, gravel is generally more cost-effective. It allows homeowners to achieve a visually attractive landscape without breaking the bank. With gravel, you can cover larger areas at a fraction of the cost, offering an excellent return on investment.

3. Natural Drainage and Eco-Friendly Benefits:
One of gravel's greatest advantages lies in its excellent drainage properties. Gravel allows rainwater to permeate the ground, reducing the risk of standing water and potential flooding. This natural drainage system also helps to replenish groundwater supplies. Furthermore, using gravel instead of paving or artificial grass promotes sustainability as it requires minimal processing and has a much lower carbon footprint.

4. Easy Installation Process:
Installing gravel is a relatively straightforward process. Homeowners can conveniently lay it themselves or seek professional assistance. Unlike the time-consuming and complex installation procedures associated with paving or artificial grass, gravel offers a hassle-free experience that can be completed quickly.

5. Low Maintenance Requirements:
Undoubtedly, gravel surpasses most other materials in terms of low maintenance. Regular raking or sweeping is sufficient to keep your gravel area neat and free from debris. Additionally, occasional replenishment may be needed to retain a consistent depth and also address any minor displacement. This ease of maintenance is in stark contrast to the constant cleaning and upkeep required for paving and artificial grass.

In summary, gravel is a cost-effective, visually appealing, solution for garden paths, patios, and drives. It adds a touch of natural charm to your outdoor spaces and effortlessly blends with any style of architecture. With its excellent drainage properties and low maintenance requirements, gravel proves to be a practical choice for homeowners seeking an attractive and sustainable landscaping solution.

View the different types of gravel, slate and pebbles here:

https://www.gardenis.co.uk/collections/landscaping

Although the main benefit of having a water kit is to save water in summer, to water the lawn, veg patch and flowers. They do have some benefits in the autumn and winter months when there is a lot more rain.

Firstly, if you have a water meter installed, you will want to use the mains taps as infrequently as possible, to save money. So, you can use the water in your water butts to fill buckets to hand-wash the car, or for mopping floors, cleaning greenhouse glass panels, patios etc.

Another more communal benefit, is how it can slow the flow of water going down drains during periods of heavy rain, which can increase flood risk, and also use of sewage outflow pipes into rivers. (During high rainfall periods, these pipes are used to prevent waste water backing up pipes.) 

An Olympic swimming pool holds 2.5 million litres of water. If 6,300 homes , of a small town, all installed a 200 litre water butt double kit, (400 litres total), it would save 2.52 million litres from going straight into the drain network, during a heavy downpour. With an Olympic swimming pool worth of water saved in the water butts, this could lower the risk of some local flooding, and reduce the use of a nearby sewage outflow pipe into the river.

200 litre water butt double kit, available to buy here;

https://www.gardenis.co.uk/products/200-litre-water-butt-kit-double-200-litre-water-butt-kit

Image - Wiki creative commons / Kallerna

Citrus trees are not as cold hardy as most fruit trees, but there are a few varieties that can withstand colder temperatures. The cold hardiest citrus trees are the Kumquat, Satsuma mandarin, the Meyer lemon, and the Kaffir lime. These trees can tolerate temperatures as low as -9c (15F). Full article via link below.

https://www.gardenandgreen.co.uk/grow-citrus-fruits

New aromatherapy gift set, that includes 12 different essential oils, made from plants. An ideal gift for Christmas.

Gift box includes

- 5ml Ylang III Essential Oil

- 5ml Lemon Essential Oil

- 5ml Tea Tree Essential Oil

- 5ml Lemongrass Essential Oil 

- 5ml Eucalyptus Essential Oil

- 5ml Lavender Essential Oil

- 5ml Rosemary Essential Oil 

- 5ml Bergamot Essential Oil 

- 5ml Citronella Essential Oil 

- 5ml Orange Essential Oil 

- 5ml Patchouli Essential Oil 

- 5ml Sandalwood Amayris

- 2x droppers

https://www.gardenis.co.uk/collections/homewares-gifts/products/aromatherapy-gift-set